Co-operation on robotics and management software for instruments facilitates flexible lab automation

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed by ABB Robotics and Mettler Toledo International Inc is targeting full integration of ABB’s robots with Mettler Toledo’s LabX instrument management software, permitting far more efficient and higher-quality workflows across a range of industrial and research settings. 

Manager of ABB Service Robotics Jose Manuel Collados identifies pharmaceuticals, chemicals, food & beverage, semiconductors and batteries as sectors which could benefit. “In combining Mettler Toledo laboratory equipment with ABB’s collaborative robots (cobots), communicated through the LabX platform, we will support operations and enable the highest traceability, productivity and data management in the industry,” he says. 

Automated systems, working alongside lab technicians, can perform on an increasingly sophisticated range of tasks, says ABB, faster, more consistently and with fewer errors than human operators. But the company admits that uptake has been held back by skills gaps when it comes to handling the technology and setting up complex and sensitive workflows. 

The collaboration will see LabX software “seamlessly integrated” into ABB’s OmniCore robot controllers, allowing LabX to take a lead in orchestrating operations. As well as improved consistency and productivity, benefits will include the automatic fulfilment of quality, safety and regulatory requirements. 

Head of Mettler Toledo’s Laboratory Division Stefan Heiniger talks about the two companies providing “a powerful, intuitive and standardised toolset” to meet the needs of labs of all types and sizes. “Great innovation starts at the bench, especially when you are able to minimise process times and human error, while also supporting the generation of high-quality data and information.” 

The MoU is part of ABB’s current strategy to expand automation in those sectors which could benefit most, including lab-based operations. It complements the work of the Life Sciences and Healthcare lab at the Texas Medical Center in Houston, it says, and the newly established Open Innovation Lab for Life Science and Healthcare in Zhangjiang Robot Valley, Shanghai. 

ABB: 
01908 350300
www.abb.com

Mettler Toledo:
0116 235 7070
www.mt.com